A Maryland lawmaker who was charged last month with operating a boat under the influence of alcohol has announced he has been reassigned from the House Judiciary Committee to the House Ways and Means Committee.

The Maryland Natural Resources police charged Dwyer with drunken boating in a collision with another vessel that injured Dwyer and six others, including children.

WBAL-TV 11 News reporter David Collins said Dwyer couldn't have been more honest and candid about what he describes as a life-changing event. He declined to talk specifics about the boat crash, but everything else was fair game.

A lightning rod for controversy, Dwyer said he's now at the crossroad of rebuilding personal relationships and hope. He said he is seeking re-election to his House seat.

"Despite my problems, there still is tremendous support in the district. I'm OK with that, too," he said.

Dywer's actions in August broke the public's trust and jeopardized public safety, Collins reported. If convicted, he faces a fine and jail time, plus possible expulsion from his state House seat. Dwyer spoke on how he squares that with voters.

"That's something I have to man up to, should that happen. I hope it doesn't. I hope that individuals will look at the fact that I've been honest and forthright, not only admitting that I was drinking but the treatment that I've put myself in," Dwyer said.

Sources said Dwyer and his buddy, John Moran, ran up a bar tab at an Eastern Shore establishment. Dwyer admits he was drinking prior to the collision of his boat, named The Legislator, and an 18-foot bay liner.

The crash on the Magothy River hurt seven people, including Dwyer and children. The stern, or back of Dwyer's boat, was damaged. The bow, or front, of the bay liner was broken. NRP did not determine blame. Dwyer is charged with drunken boating and other violations.

Dwyer said several factors drove him to drink.

"There was pain in my life, and I used alcohol as a painkiller," Dwyer said.

He had separated from his wife of 31 years, lost 55 pounds because of a medical condition he won't discuss, and said he felt betrayed by state House allies Republican Delegates Wade Kach and Tiffany Alston when they changed their votes in favor of same-sex marriage. The bill passed by a two-vote margin.

"The problem was the commitment and the betrayal of individuals I worked with in the legislature that ended up reneging on their commitment to support me," Dwyer said.

His drinking problem, how he recognized it and the drunken boating crash were points Dwyer addressed.

"It was blessing for what happened to me. It's not the way I would've hoped it would've happened, but we're not in control of those circumstances," Dwyer said.

"I will do everything I can to oppose the governor's gun bill," Dwyer said. "My effectiveness has been raised on multiple occasions because I haven't passed a bill in 11 years, but you know what? I fight them. I fight those bills. I'm the voice of reason," Dwyer said.

Dwyer talked about the emotions he faced going back to work at the state House.

"I'm not hanging my head in shame. Am I embarrassed by what I did? Sure, I am. Am I responsible for what I did? Absolutely, but does that mean that I'm not human? I'm like everybody else on the face of this Earth," Dwyer said.

Dwyer pledged to discuss details of the boat crash after his case is heard in May. He faces five charges, including operating a vessel under the influence.

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